Global
A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect. The atoms of a greenhouse gas molecule vibrate when they absorb thermal energy. The vibrating molecules then radiate thermal energy, some of which travels back towards Earth’s surface; e.g., carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O)
Greenhouse Gas
When Earth absorbs solar radiation and radiates thermal energy back towards space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and release some of that radiated thermal energy back towards Earth’s surface. This process creates a higher concentration of thermal energy at the Earth’s surface, increasing the Earth’s mean surface temperature
Greenhouse Effect
The parts (matter or energy) that enter the system from the outside
Inputs
The energy emitted from the Sun that travels through space to reach Earth
Solar Radiation
Any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, that typically occur over several decades or longer
Global Climate Change
The energy possessed by an object due to the motion of its atoms or molecules
Thermal Energy
The average of the near-surface air temperature and the sea surface temperature
Mean Surface Temperature
The mixture of gases that surrounds the planet’s surface
Atmosphere
Emission of energy from the sun
Solar Activity
A period of relative cooling on Earth, between approximately 1300-1850
Little Ice Age
A period of relative cooling on Earth, between approximately 1300-1850
Little Ice Age
Any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, that typically occur over several decades or longer
Global Climate Change
The average of the near-surface air temperature and the sea surface temperature
Mean Surface Temperature
The eruption of gases and particles, both as gradual emissions and sudden explosions, of Earth’s volcanoes
Volcanic Activity
Sets of interrelated components and processes, such as the biosphere, and atmosphere
Earth Systems
A collection of objects that interact and/or influence one another
System
Phenomena produced by nature rather than humans
Natural Processes
Sets of interrelated components and processes, such as the biosphere, and atmosphere
Earth Systems
The increase in surface temperatures, both surface air and surface water, as a part of global climate change
Global Warming
Phenomena produced by nature rather than humans
Natural Processes
Emission of energy from the sun
Solar Activity
The energy emitted from the Sun that travels through space to reach Earth
Solar Radiation
The parts (matter or energy) that leave the system
Outputs
When Earth absorbs solar radiation and radiates thermal energy back towards space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and release some of that radiated thermal energy back towards Earth’s surface. This process creates a higher concentration of thermal energy at the Earth’s surface, increasing the Earth’s mean surface temperature
Greenhouse Effect
The energy possessed by an object due to the motion of its atoms or molecules
Thermal Energy